COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Community and Economic Development Department is made up of several divisions including administration, planning, engineering, economic development and recreation/community services. The administration division provides the departmental management and oversight to the other 4 divisions under the direction of the Assistant City Manager/ Community and Economic Development Director. The mission of this department is to insure quality development in the City of Martinez from both a technical and aesthetic standpoint, provide excellent customer service to residents, business owners and developers alike, expand the local economy, promote the community and provide innovative and engaging recreational experiences for residents of all ages. This department has 17 full time professional staff that support the department’s 4 main divisions and a myriad of part time and summer employees that support the various recreation programs. PLANNING - Planning serves as the point of entry for development proposals, and provides assistance to developers, builders, and residents navigating the regulatory process. This process can include single family property owners, as well as residential and commercial production scale builders. On a daily basis, staff assists customers with permit processing and interpretation of City policies related to zoning and subdivision ordinances. In advance planning, staff creates policies to implement and update the General Plan, including the Housing Element, by providing assistance to the task force, steering committee and other community groups involved with land use policy. A major project in the Planning Division over the next 2 years will be the development of a new General Plan.
ENGINEERING - The Engineering Division works with other City departments and programs to design, plan and construct public facilities including street, storm drain, traffic signals and water systems. In addition, Engineering staff manage the City’s Clean Water (NPDES) Program; apply for annual Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for infrastructure improvements; establish and maintain Lighting and Landscape Assessment District; support the Traffic Safety Committee; review and process residential, commercial and industrial development application; prepare grant applications for State and Federal agencies for funding for major capital improvement projects; manage the City’s major transportation capital projects such as the Intermodal Phase III, Measure C and J, and federally funded paving projects; and represent the City on local or regional boards and commissions including the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, Caltrans, Capital Corridor Joint Powers Authority and TRANSPAC. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Economic Development focuses on downtown revitalization, strengthening the local economy and promoting Martinez as a destination for new businesses, visitors, and investors. These efforts are strengthened through coordination with local business organizations, property owners, and business owners. COMMUNITY SERVICES AND RECREATION - This division offers activities and services for Martinez residents of all ages. Recreation provides sports, recreation, and operates the Rankin Park Pool. The Senior Center offers programs, activities, and services for older residents. Day care contract operations are also managed by the Recreation staff, as well as various special projects including the John Muir Festival Center and the marina. This division also staffs the Parks and Recreation Commission; Veteran’s Commission; Marina Commission; Cemetery Commission; and Arts and Library Commission. Recreation staff also works with Public Works to manage the use of the following City and community facilities.
KEY STAFF:
Karen L. Majors, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director
Albert V. Lopez, Deputy Community Development Director - Tim Tucker, City Engineer - Joann Tool, Deputy Parks & Community Services Director
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